Congrats Alex!
Pity we couldn't meet up on your way up, but definitely need to got these two Avus Blue classics together for a photoshoot soon.
If I had a slot free in my shed for another car, an E46 M3 would be high on a very short list, as it's a great daily driver. My current daily driver is an Amarok............ Chalk and cheese of course but as a daily driver, a race car tow and service vehicle, plus transport for 2 Labs, the 'Rok has no peers!
I'm sure you know heaps about the M5 already, and I'd be really interested to hear your feedback of the driving experience.
As I said to you, I am more of an Audi fan than BMW (ducks), but ever since the first M5 came out I've had a huge desire to own one. In the year of owning mine I've put on about 5000 km, every one a total driving pleasure. I'm stunned by the sheer grunt of the engine, the massive torque from the very bottom of the rev range, the instantaneous throttle response from the normally aspirated engine, the brilliant steering on lock (a slight vagueness about the straight ahead courtesy of recirculation ball setup, unique in the E39 range due to space constraints), the short throw 6sp manual gearbox, and the wolf in sheep's clothing stealth.
Things I don't like? Having driven Audi quattro for 20 years, I still haven't got used to the danged traction control lighting up so regularly. Much improved since fitting a new set of Bridgestone RE11s. And the horrific fuel consumption. But in an occasional uses car not a huge problem. That's about it.
The E39 M5: last of the pure Driver's M5s!! And before Bangle screwed up the styling!! The epitome of the Ultimate Driving Machine